Boat propelling mechanism



F. SCHWARZER BOAT PROPELLING MECHANISM Dec. 28, 1965 3,225,733

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 20, 1964 INVENTOR EDQCHWHRZER 00 BY q MATTORNEY ig-i Dec. 28, 1965 F. SCHWARZER 3,225,733

BOAT PROPELLING MECHANISM 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 20, 1964 INVENTORRED SQHWARZER BY ATTQRNEY Dec. 28, 1965 F. SCHWARZER 3,225,733

BOAT PROPELLING MECHANI SM 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 20, 1964 R O T mV m Dec. 28, 1965 SCHWARZER 3,225,733

BOAT PROPELLING MECHANISM Filed July 20, 1964 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORT ED gcHwARzeR BY Z z ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,225,733 BOATPRGPELLING MECHANISM Fred Schwarzer, 292 Mangers Mill Road, Pottstown,Pa. Filed July 20, 1964, Ser. No. 383,782 2 Claims. (Cl. 115-23) Thepresent invention relates to a device for use in propelling a boatthrough water, and the present invention is an improvement over the boatpropulsion mechanism shown and described in my copending patentapplication Serial No.3l8,442, now Patent No. 3,148,656, September 15,1964.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved boatpropelling mechanism which utilizes a novel and improved steeringarrangement wherein a single handle bar or hand gripping member isadapted to be manually actuated in order to control rotation of a pairof paddle units so that a boat can be readily caused to move in aforward or reverse direction or else the boat can be steered or turnedto the left or right as desired.

Another object is to provide a boat propelling mechanism which includesan inboard section and an outboard section, and wherein the outboardsection is pivotally connected to the inboard section so that the devicecan be readily mounted on boats of different shapes or sizes, andwherein the paddle unit is mounted on the outboard section and can beraised to permit the paddle unit to operate in different depths of thewater so that the effect provided by the rotating paddle units can becontrolled, and wherein the inboard section is adapted to have footpedals connected thereto so that a person can readily and convenientlysit on the inboard section and turn the foot pedals by means of pressurefrom the feet so as to cause rotation of the paddle units in the desiredmanner.

Still another object is to provide a boat propelling mechanism whichincludes parts or sections that can be readily assembled anddisassembled so that, for example, when the device is not being used itcan be conveniently taken apart and stored in a small amount of spacesuch as in the trunk of a vehicle or other locality, and wherein when itis desired to use the device, the parts can be readily connectedtogether or reassembled in a minimum of time and with a minimum amountof etfort, and wherein the various parts are adapted to be convenientlymade of stampings so that fabrication and manufacture thereof can beeconomically and easily accomplished, and wherein the boat propellingmechanism of the present invention can be used with pleasure and forhealth purposes by persons of different ages in various bodies of water,and wherein the device can be used efficiently by even inexperiencedoperators.

Further objects and advantages are to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof in a device of the character described that iseconomical to produce, durable in form, and conducive to the mosteconomical use of materials and uniformity of members formed therefrom.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent in thesubsequent description in the specification.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the boat propelling mechanism of thepresent invention, and with parts broken away.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing details of the clutchmechanism and portions of the paddle unit.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary elevational view showing a portion of the clutchmechanism.

3,225,733 Patented Dec. 28, 1965 FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on theline 66 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on the line 88 of FIG. 6 and being onan enlarged scale.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral indicates a boat thatincludes a bottom portion 41 and the usual transom 42, and the numeral43 indicates the boat propelling mechanism of the present invention, andthe boat propelling mechanism 43 includes an inboard section that isindicated generally by the numeral 44 as well as an outboard sectionwhich is indicated generally by the numeral 45, FIG. 2.

As shown in the drawings, the inboard section 44 includes a frame 46which comprises a pair of first portions 47 that have a rest suitablyatfixed to the lower ends thereof and the rest 48 is adapted to engagethe upper surface of the bottom 41 of the boat 40 as shown in FIG. 2.The numerals 49 and 50 indicate second .and third portions which areformed integral with or secured to the first portion 47, and the numeral51 indicates a fitting which is arranged at the junction of the portions47, 49 and 50.

The numeral 52 indicates a first axle which extends through the fitting51, and a first sprocket 53 is suitably affixed to the axle 52, therebeing foot pedals 54 connected to the axle 52 so that by applying footpressure to the pedals 54, the axle 52 can be rotated to turn thesprocket 53 for a purpose to be later described.

The frame 46 further includes a fourth portion 55 which is suitablyaffixed to the portion or bar 50, and the numeral 56 indicates agenerally horizontally disposed fifth portion which is secured to theportion 49, and an upstanding sixth portion 57 is secured to or formedintegral with the rear end of portion 56, there being a rest 58 on thelower end of the portion 57 for engaging the upper surface of the bottom41 of the boat 40. The numeral 59 indicates a back rest or back supportwhich is adapted to be connected to the portion 57 for providing acomfortable and convenient support for the back of the person operatingthe present invention.

The frame of the inboard section 44 further includes an upstandingseventh portion 60 which has its lower end affixed to the portion 56,and an eighth portion 61 is affixed to the upper end of the portion 60,there being a ninth portion 62 which extends between the portion 55 anda tenth portion 63 and which is secured thereto. The numeral 64indicates a seat which is suitably supported on or by the upstandingportion 63, and the seat 64 is adapted to comfortably and convenientlysupport the operator of the boat propelling mechanism of the presentinvention.

The numeral 65 indicates a second axle which is adapted to be supportedin the frame by a bracket assembly 66, and sprockets 67 and 68 aremounted on the axle 65. The numeral 69 indicates an endless chain whichis trained over the sprockets 63 and 67.

As shown in the drawings, a standard or column 70 is rotatably mountedin the portion 55 of the frame 46, and a handle bar or hand grippingmember 71 is suitably connected to the upper end of the column 70 sothat the person sitting on the seat 64 can conveniently grip the handlebar 71 in the hands and the single handle bar 71 is adapted to be usedfor controlling movement of the boat in a forward direction or forsteering the boat to the left or right or for use in causing the boat tomake a desired turn. A lug or fitting 35 serves to operatively connectthe lower end of the column 70 to a first rod or connector 72, and therear end of the rod 72 is connected to the lower end of a rod 73 bymeans of a fitting 74. The rod 73 is rotatably or swivelly supportedadjacent the portion 57 by means of bearing blocks 75. The numeral 76indicates a fitting which is affixed to the upper end of the rod 73, andthe fitting or lug 76 is also secured to the front end of a rod orconnector 77.

The numeral 78 indicates a bracket which is aflixed to the portion 57,and a strap or bar 79 is secured as by welding to the bracket 78, therebeing a pair of screw members 80 extending through the strap 79, and thescrew members 80 are received in bushings 81, and set screws 82 arearranged in engagement with the bushings 81 for selectively maintainingthe set screws 80 connected to the bushings 81. Thus, by loosening theset screws 82, the bolts or screws 80 can be loosened or removed fromthe bushings 81 so that the inboard section and outboard section can bedisassembled whereby the entire device can subsequently be stored orcarried in a small space. Clamps such as C-clamps 83 are secured as bywelding to the bushings 81, and the clamps 83 are adapted to engageportions of the transom 42, and pressure screws 84 are associated withthe clamps 83.

The outboard section 45 includes framework 85 that embodies a first pairof spaced parallel members 86, and the members 86 have cross pieces 87extending therebetween and affixed thereto, FIG. 3. The numeral 88indicates a pair of aligned second or tubular members, and the tubularmembers 88 are arranged at right angles with respect to the rear ends ofthe first members 86 and are secured thereto or formed integraltherewith, there being a shaft 89 extending through the aligned members88, and the shaft 89 is rotatable in the members 88. The framework 85further includes angularly arranged third members 90 which are fixed tothe members 88, and fourth members 91 are secured to the front ends ofthe members 90. A pair of spaced parallel bars or straps 92 are securedto the inner end portions of the members or portions 91, and a rod 93extends between the bars 92 and is affixed thereto. The numerals 94 and95 indicate fourth and fifth sprockets which are rotatably mounted onthe rod 93, and a sixth sprocket 96 is suitably aflixed to the rotaryshaft 89. The numeral 97 indicates an endless chain which is trainedover or on the sprockets 68 and 94, and an endless chain 98 is arrangedin engagement with the pair of sprockets 95 and 96.

The numeral 180 indicates a support piece which engages the outersurface of the transom 42, FIG. 2, and a cylindrical member 101 issuitably secured to the support piece ltlt), there being a rod 102telescopically or adjustably connected to the cylinder 101, and aretainer 103 may be provided for maintaining the rod 102 stationary inits various adjusted positions in the cylinder 101 and this constructionpermits the outboard section 45 to be pivoted or swung about an axisextending through a member 185 so that, for example, the paddle unitscan be raised or lowered as desired or required. The member 105 may beswivelly or rotatably supported in bearings or bushings 106 which aresecured as by welding to the clamps 83, and pieces 107 are arranged atthe ends of the member 105.

The numeral 108 indicates a rod which extends between the first members86 and the framework 85, and a tubular piece 109 is swivelly mounted onthe rod 108, there being a connecting piece 110 extending between thesupport member 100 and member 109 and being secured thereto.

There is further provided a pair of similar paddle units which are eachindicated by the numeral 111, and the paddle units 111 each include aplurality of angularly arranged blades 112, and as shown in FIG. 8 forexample, each of the paddle units 111 includes a support member 119which is provided with an apertured hub 113 for the projectiontherethrough of an end portion of the shaft 89, and the support member119 is loosely or rotatably mounted on the shaft 89, and lock nuts 114are adapted to be used for maintaining the support member 1119 and itsassociated parts on the shaft 89. A plurality of radially disposed arms115 are suitably afiixed to the support member 119, and the blades 112are suitably affixed to the outer end portions of the arms 115. Each ofthe support members 119 has associated therewith a clutch assembly whichis indicated generally by the numeral 117, and the clutch assembly 117includes a body member 118. The numeral 116 indicates a circular rimportion which forms a part of the support member 119. The body member118 is provided with a centrally arranged hub 120 which has an openingor aperture therein for the projection therethrough of the shaft 89, anda set screw 126 is adapted to extend through the hub 120 for fixedlysecuring the body member 118 to the shaft 89.

As shown in FIG. 6 for example, a pair of similar plates 121 areprovided for the clutch assembly 117, and the plates 121 are shaped toprovide or have spaces 122 between portions thereof, and the plates 121also have arcuate outer edge portions 123 that are mounted for movementinto and out of engagement with the inner surfaces of the rim 116, andthere is also provided spaces or cutouts 124 in the plates 121.

Spring members 127 are mounted in the spaces 124 and the spring members127 are retained in place by means of holders or retainers 128, and thespring members 127 serve to normally urge or bias the plates 121inwardly so that the edges 123 are out of engagement with the rim orflange portion 116. The numeral 129 indicates guide pins which extendthrough slots 130 in the plates 121 and this construction helps insurethat the plates 12]. will be maintained in their proper aligned positionas they move back and forth.

As shown in the drawings, there is further provided cams 131 which arearranged in the spaces 122 and the cams 131 are adapted to be used formoving the plates 121 against the pressure of the springs, and the cams131 are connected to end portions of fingers 132, and the fingers 132are suitably affixed to arms 133, and the arms 133 have rollers 134 ontheir end portions which are adapted to engage a straight cone 135, andthe cone 135 is slidably mounted on the shaft 89. The cone 135 isprovided with a grooved portion 136, FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 5, a bracket 137 is suitably afiixed to an end portionof a tubular member 88, and a yoke 138 is pivotally connected to thebracket 137 as at 139, and the yoke 138 is connected to the groovedportion 136 of the cone 135 as at 140.

The numeral 141 indicates each of a pair of rods which are arranged sothat their outer end portions are pivotally connected to the yoke 138 asat 142, and the inner ends of the pair of rods 141 are connected as at144 to a bell crank lever 143, and the bell crank lever 143 is pivotallyconnected to a support 146 as at 145. The rear end of the rod 77 isconnected to the bell crank lever 143 by means of a connection orsecuring element 147.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided a boatpropelling mechanism which is adapted to be used or mounted on difierenttypes of boats whereby boats such as the boat 40 can be convenientlypropelled and steered through a body of water. In use, when the deviceis being used, the inboard section 44 is arranged within the boat 40 asshown in FIG. 2, and the outboard section 45 is arranged exteriorly ofthe boat and these sections are joined together and are connected to thetransom 42 of the boat by means of the clamps 83 and elements such asthe pressure screws 84. With the parts assembled as shown in FIGS. 1 and2 for example, a person is adapted to conveniently sit on the seat 64and rest against the back rest 59 and the handle 71 is adapted to beconveniently gripped in the hands so that with the feet in engagementwith the pedals 54, when it is desired to cause the boat 40 to moveforwardly, the pedals 54 are adapted to be turned by foot pressure.Thus, by

applying foot pressure to the pedals 54 so that the pedals 54 turn in acounter-clockwise direction, FIG. 2, it will be seen that this willcause the boat to be propelled in a forward direction. Similarly, bykeeping the handle bar 71 in a straight position as shown in FIGS. 1 and2 and rotating the pedals 54 in a clockwise direction, the boat will bemoved in a reverse direction.

Similarly, to cause the boat to be steered or turned as, for example, tocause the boat to be steered to the right, it is only necessary tomanually move a handle 71 to the right and this will have the effect ofcausing the boat to turn to the right because the paddle unit 111 on theright will stop rotating while the other or left paddle unit 111 willcontinue to rotate and this will cause the boat to turn to the right.Similarly, to turn the boat to the left, it is only necessary tomanually move or turn the handle 71 to the left and this causes thepaddle unit 111 on the left to stop rotating and the paddle unit on theother side to continue to rotate so that the boat will turn to the left.

Various types of materials can be used for making the different elementsor parts, and the different parts can be made in different shapes orsizes as may be required or desired.

The present invention is universally adaptable to fit different sizes ortypes of boats including row boats, or boats made of different materialssuch as wood, aluminum or the like. A bicycle type of framework is usedand there is provided a novel means for engaging and disengaging theclutches for steering the boat. Forward movement of the boat isaccomplished by rotating the foot pedals 54 in a forward orcounter-clockwise direction, FIG. 2, while reverse movement of the boatis brought about by rotating the foot pedals 54 in a clockwisedirection, FIG. 2. That is, by causing the foot pedals 54 to turn in arearward direction, the boat will be caused to move backwards. Varioustypes of drive arrangements can be used, and for example, instead of thechain drive a suitable gear arrangement can be utilized. With thepresent invention fast steering can be accomplished and wherein thesteering is accomplished merely by manually turning the handle 71 to theproper direction. When the handle 71 is in a normal position as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the hands are free for any desired purpose as, forexample, to handle a fishing rod or the like, and thus the presentinvention can be used when trolling since the boat can be propelledthrough the water by foot pressure, only. The present invention is'lightin weight and simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and the presentinvention includes the novel propelling mechanism as well as the novelsteering arrangement, and the parts are arranged so that very littlefoot pressure is required to propel the boat through the water. Theblades 112 of the paddle units 111 are arranged at such an angle wherebythe boat will be propelled with maximum efficiency as the paddle unitsturn. The present invention can be used on fiberglass types of boats orany other type of boat. With the present invention only a single stickor handle 71 is used, and only two clutches such as the pair of clutches117 are needed, and the clutches can be made out of a suitable materialand can bemade from stampings so that they are rugged and of low cost.Different types of clutches can be used with the present invention asdesired. The two clutches permit either or both of the paddle units 111to be operated or rotated in a forward or reverse direction and thepaddle units 111 can be both rotated simultaneously, or they can beturned individually. The various parts of the device can be made fromsuitable stampings or the like.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the position of the parts when the device is mountedon a boat and ready for use in propelling the boat. However, when it isdesired to remove the device from the boat, it is only necessary toloosen the clamps 83 and screws 84. Also, the set screws 82 are adaptedto be loosened so that the screw members can be removed from thebushings 81 and by removing the chain such as the chain 97 from thesprockets 68 and 94, the inboard section 44 will readily separate fromthe outboard section 45 so that the device will occupy a minimum amountof space for storage or shipment. Also, by removing the nuts 114, thepaddle units 111 can also be disassembled, that is by removing the nuts114, the parts including the members 119, 115 and 112 can be removedfrom the shaft 89 so as to further minimize the space occupied by thedisassembled device. .When the device is being used, the reverseprocedure is followed.

It will be noted that the elements 48 and 58 engage the bottom 41 of theboat when the parts are in the position shown in FIG. 2 so that theframe 46 will be properly steadied or maintained in its proper positionat the rear of the boat when the device is being used.

The back rest 59 can also be detached if desired when the device is notbeing used.

The boat propelling mechanism of the present invention can be assembledon the boat with a minimum amount of effort and in a very short periodof time, and likewise the device can be disassembled and removed fromthe boat with ease or facility.

With the parts arranged as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, assuming that theboat is to be propelled in a forward direction, the following is anexplanation of the operation thereof. The operator sits on the seat 64and grips the handle 71 and by means of foot pressure on the pedals 54causes the pedals 54 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction, FIG. 2and this causes a sprocket 53 to rotate in the same direction which inturn causes corresponding rotation or travel of the chain 69, and sincethe chain 69 is arranged in engagement with the sprocket 67 on the axle65, it will be seen that the axle 65 will be turned. Since the spocket68 is also mounted on the axle 65, this rotation of the axle 65 willresult in rotation of the sprocket 68 which in turn will move the chain97, and with the chain 97 arranged in engagement with the sprocket 94,the sprocket 94 will also turn. The sprocket 94 is mounted on the axle93 and the sprocket 95 is also mounted on the axle 93 so that rotationof the axle 93 will result in rotation of the sprocket 95. Because thechain 98 is trained over the sprockets 95 and 96, and because thesprocket 96 is fixedly secured to the shaft 89, it will be seen thatthis will result in rotation of the shaft 89 in the tubular members 88.

This rotation of the shaft 89 is transmitted to the pair of paddle units111, so that with the handle 71 in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,forward rotation of the pedals 54 results in rotation of the paddleunits 111 in such a manner that blades 112 will strike the water andpropel the boat forwardly, and as long as the handle 71 is in theposition of FIGS. 1 and 2, both paddle units will be rotatedsimultaneously.

It is to be understood of course that if the boat is to be reversed thatis moved to a rearward direction, the pedals 54 are rotated in aclockwise direction, FIG. 2, and this will cause corresponding rotationof the paddle units 111 in such a manner as to cause the boat to back upor reverse.

Furthermore, to steer the boat it is only necessary to turn the singlelever or handle 71, and for example to turn or steer the boat to theright, by turning the handle 71 to the right, the column 70 will berotated in the tubular portion 55 of the frame 46, and because the lug35 is connected to the lower end of the column 70, and with the rod 72connected to the lug 35, it will been seen that this turning of thehandle 71 will cause corresponding movement of the rod 72. With the rod72 arranged as shown in FIG. 2, that is with the rear end of the rod 72connected to the lugs 74 at the low.- or end of the rod 73, it will beseen that this will result in rotation of the rod 73, and because therod '73 is connected to the rod 77 by means of the lugs 76, it will beseen that this Will result in corresponding movement of the rod 77. Therod 77 has its rear end connected to the bell crank lever 143 as at 147,and the bell crank lever 143 is connected as at 144 to the pair of rods141 so that this movement of the rod 77 will cause the pair of rods 141to shift either to the left or right. As these rods 141 move or shift tothe left or right, they cause pivotal movement of the yoke 138 about thepivot pins 139, and with the yokes 138 connected as at 140 to theportion 136 of the cone 135, it will be seen that this will result inshifting movement of the straight cone 135 on the shaft 89, FIG. 5. Asthe cone 135 shifts or moves back and forth on the shaft 89, the rollers134 will cause the arms 133 to move in or out to thereby move thefingers 132 which have the cams 131 on their inner ends, so that withthe cams 131 interposed between adjacent portions of the plates 121,this movement of the cams 131 will provide a means for counterbalancingthe effect of the springs 127 so that the surfaces 123 of the plates 121can be selectively arranged in or out of engagement with the rim portion116 of the member 119. The member 119 is free to rotate on the shaft 89,while the member 118'is fixedly secured to the shaft 89 as at 126, andby means of the clutch assemblies, the members 119 can be drivendirectly and positively from the members 118, or else the members 119can be permitted to remain stationary or in a non-rotating position onthe shaft 89. Because the arms 115 fixedly secure the blades 112 to themembers 119, it will be seen that when the members 119 are rotating, theblades 112 will also rotate, and similarly when the members 119 arestationary, the blades 112 are likewise stationary.

With the parts arranged as shown in the drawings, and with the handle 71in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when foot pressure is applied tothe pedals 54 to turn the pedals 54 in a forward direction, power willbe transmitted through the drive mechanism to turn the paddle units 11in such a manner that the blades 112 will engage the water to drive theboat forwardly. Similarly, when the pedals 54 are rotated in a reversedirection, the paddle units 111 will cause the boat to move backwards,and this results from the arrangement of the parts that constitute thedrive mechanism. Thus the drive mechanism is such that with the handle71 in FIGS. 1 and 2 position, power is transmitted from the pedals 54 tothe sprocket 53, to the axle 52, then through the chain 69 to thesprocket 67, then to the axle 65 to the sprocket 68, then through chain97 to sprocket 94, then to axle 93 and to sprocket 95. Power is thentransmitted by chain 98 to sprocket 96 and thence to shaft 89 and shaft89 is thus rotated in the tubular members 88 of the rigid framework 85.Because the member 118 of the clutch 117 is fixedly secured to shaft 89by a suitable means such as set screw 126, FIG. 8, member 118 willalways turn as the shaft 89 turns. However, member 119 is freely orloosely mounted on the shaft, and the pair of members 119 only turn whenit is desired by the operator that these members 119 which carry theblades or paddles 112 shall turn. In other words, when handle 71 is inthe FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 position, the parts are arranged and constructed sothat both members 119 will turn at the same time in the same directiondue to the provision of the parts shown.

Thus, the cams 131 push and engage portions of the plates 121 tomaintain the arcuate outer edges 123 of the pair of plates 121 firmlyagainst the rim 116 so that with the member 118 secured as at 126 toshaft 89, as shaft 89 rotates, the member 118 rotates therewith andcauses corresponding rotation of member 119 due to the outwardly biasedportion of the plates 121, and thus with the handle 71 in FIGS, 1 and 2position, both paddle units 111 will rotate in unison to drive the boatstraight ahead or straight to the rear, depending upon the direction ofthe foot pedals 54.

Assume, for example, that it is desired to turn the boat to the left, itis only necessary to turn handle 71 to the left and due to the provisionof the previously described structure, when the handle 71 is turned tothe left, the cone on the right side will be shoved outwardly so thatcams 131 will urge the plates 121 into driving position with regard torim 116 so that the paddle units 111 on the right side will continue torotate. At the same time, the cone 135 on the left side will be pulledinwardly whereby the springs 127 will bias or move the pair of plates121 of the left clutch inwardly, out of engagement with the rim 116 sothat no power will be supplied to the left paddle unit whereby the boatwill turn to the left because only the right paddle unit will berotating. When making a right turn, the same principle applies, and ofcourse, for a right turn, only the left paddle unit turns and the rightpaddle unit remains stationary or idles. This same action can be usedwhen the boat is going in a forward or reverse direction. As statedpreviously, when one clutch cone moves inwardly, the other one movesoutwardly, and the movement of the clutch cones in or out isaccomplished due to the provision of the coacting parts such as theparts or elements 70, 35, 72, 74, 73, 76 and 77, as well as the bellcrank lever 143 and the pushpull rods 141 which actuate the yokes 138 toshift the cones 135 in or out along the shaft 89.

The present invention is stylish and attractively constructed andprovides good exercise for the user or operator, and the device isconstructed so that maintenance costs are practically nil, and whereinthe device provides trouble-free operation and of course there are nofuel costs since foot power is used in operating the device. Also thedevice is safe to use and provides a source of pleasure or fun and canbe used for work or play, and instead of using the pedal arrangement,other sources of power can be utilized.

The cones 135 are straight and this arrangement makes it possible forboth cones simultaneously to engage the roller levers of the clutchactuators.

The back rest 59 can be detached if desired when the device is not beingused, or it can be pushed forward into a horizontal position to rest onthe seat 64. In other words, a hinged arrangement can be used for theback rest to permit the seat to be moved to a forward position so thatit will rest on top of the seat or saddle when not in use, and to removethe seat altogether, a screw can be taken out of the hinge.

Minor changes in shape, size and rearrangement of details coming withinthe field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, ifdesired.

What is claimed is:

1. A boat propelling mechanism for a boat which includes a transom and abottom, comprising an inboard section arranged within the boat andincluding a rest for engagement with said bottom, said inboard sectionembodying a frame which includes a pair of first portions affixed tosaid rest, second and third portions arranged angularly with respect tothe upper ends of said first portion and affixed thereto, a bushing atthe junction of said second and third portions, a first axle journaledin said bushing, a first sprocket secured to said axle, footpedalsconnected to said first axle, an upstanding fourth portion affixed tosaid third portion, a generally horizontally disposed fifth portionafiixed to the lower portion of said second portion, an upstanding sixthportion affixed to the rear end of said fifth portion, and said sixthportion having a rest on its lower end for engagement with the bottom ofthe boat, a back rest connected to the upper ends of the sixth portion,an upstanding seventh portion having its lower end affixed to said fifthportion, an eighth portion extending between said sixth and seventhportions and afiixed thereto, a ninth portion connected to said fourthportion, an upstanding tenth portion affixed to said eighth and ninthportions, and said tenth portion having a seat thereon, a second axlejournaled in the frame of the inboard section, second and thirdsprockets mounted on said second axle, an endless chain trained aroundsaid first and second sprockets, a column rotatably mounted in saidfourth portion, a handle connected to said column, a lug connected tothe lower end of said column, a first rod having its front end connectedto said lug, a second rod rotatably mounted adjacent said sixth portionand said second rod being connected to said first rod by means of a lug,a bracket afiixed to said sixth portion, a strap secured to saidbracket, screw members extending through said strap, bushings receivingsaid screw members, set screws extending through said bushings forengaging said screw members, clamps affixed to said bushings forengaging the transom; said boat propelling mechanism further includingan outboard section including a framework that embodies a first pair ofspaced parallel members, cross pieces extending between said firstmembers and secured thereto, aligned tubular second members secured tothe rear ends of said first members, a shaft extending through saidsecond members, angularly arranged third members affixed to said secondmembers, fourth members secured to the front ends of said third members,spaced parallel bars secured to the inner ends of said fourth members, ahorizontally disposed rod extending between said last named bars, fourthand fifth sprockets mounted on said last named rod, an endless chaintrained over said third and fourth sprockets, a fifth sprocket on saidshaft which extends through the second members, an endless chain on saidfourth and fifth sprockets, a support piece for engaging the rear of thetransom, cylinders connected to said support piece, a rod adjustably andtelescopically connected to each of said cylinders, cross elementsconnecting the upper ends of said last named rods to said first membersof the framework, a rod element extending between the first members ofthe framework, a tubular piece rotatably mounted on said last named rod,a connecting piece extending between said tubular piece and said supportpiece, a pair of similar paddle units detachably mounted on the ends ofthe shaft that extend through the second members of the framework, andeach of said paddle units comprising a support member rotatably mountedon said shaft, and said support member having an apertured centralportion for the projection therethrough of the shaft, and said supportmember having a plurality of radially disposed arms aflixed thereto,angularly arranged blades afiixed to said arms, said support memberincluding a circular rim, a clutch unit comprising a body membercontiguous to said support member, and said body member having a centralopening therein for the projection therethrough of said shaft, a hub onthe central portion of said body member, a set screw securing said lastnamed hub to said shaft, a pair of spaced apart movable platesinterposed between said body member and support member, spring membersconnected to the hub of the body member for normally urging said platesout of engagement with said rim, a pair of earns interposed between saidplates, fingers connected to said cams, arm pieces connected to saidfingers, rollers connected to the inner ends of said arm pieces, astraight 10 cone slidably mounted on the shaft that extends through thesecond members of the framework adjacent each end of the shaft, saidcone being engaged by said rollers, said cone having a grooved portion,brackets affixed to second members of the framework, yokes pivotallyconnected to said brackets and engaging said grooved portions, pushpullrods connected to said yokes, a bell crank lever connected to said lastnamed push-pull rods, and a rod connecting said bell crank lever to alug that is connected to the top of the rod that is arranged contiguousto the sixth portion of the inboard section.

2. In a boat propelling mechanism for a boat that includes a transom anda bottom, an inboard section arranged within the' boat and includingportions engaging the bottom of the boat, first, second and thirdsprockets supported by said inboard section, foot pedals for rotatingsaid first sprockets, a chain connecting said first and second sprocketstogether, a back rest and a seat on said inboard section, a steeringcolumn rotatably supported by said inboard section, a handle connectedto said column, an outboard section including a framework that has ashaft rotatably mounted in the rear portion thereof, fourth and fifthsprockets supported by said framework, chains connecting said third andfourth sprockets together, a sixth sprocket mounted on said shaft, chainmeans connecting said fifth and sixth sprockets together, a supportpiece for engaging the rear of the transom, adjustable telescopic meansconnecting said support piece to said framework, clamps connected tosaid outboard section for engagement with the transom, a pair of paddleunits mounted on said shaft and each paddle unit including a supportmember having angularly arranged blades connected thereto, said supportmember including a circular rim, a clutch element including a bodymember contiguous to said support member and said body member having ahub affixed to said shaft, plates interposed between said body memberand support member, spring members for coaction with said plates, camsinterposed between said plates, fingers connected to said cams, armsconnected to said fingers, rollers connected to said arms, straightcones slidably mounted on said shaft and said cones being engaged bysaid rollers, yokes engaging said cones, push-pull rods pivotallyconnected to said yokes, a bell crank lever connected to said push-pullrods, and connecting means including rods and lugs operativelyconnecting said steering column to said push-pull rods whereby manualmovement and turning of the handle will actuate the clutch units tocontrol rotation of the paddle units.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,148,656 9/1964Schwarzer -25 FOREIGN PATENTS 12,734 1894 Great Britain. 98,743 1898Germany. 492,547 5/ 1953 Canada.

MILTON BUCHLER, Primary Examiner.

ANDREW H. FARRELL, Examiner.

1. A BOAT PROPELLING MECHANISM FOR A BOAT WHICH INCLUDES A TRANSOM AND ABOTTOM, COMPRISING AN INBOARD SECTION ARRANGED WITHIN THE BOAT ANDINCLUDING AN INBOARD ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID BOTTOM, SAID INBOARD SECTIONEMBODYING A FRAME WHICH INCLUDES A PAIR OF FIRST PORTIONS AFFIXED TOSAID REST, SECOND AND THIRD PORTIONS ARRANGED ANGULARLY WITH RESPECT TOTHE UPPER ENDS OF SAID FIRST PORTION AND AFFIXED THERETO, A BUSHING ATTHE JUNCTION OF SAID SECOND AND THIRD PORTIONS, A FIRST AXLE JOURNALEDIN SAID BUSHING, A FIRST SPROCKET SECURED TO SAID AXLE, FOOT PEDALSCONNECTED TO SAID FIRST AXLE, AN UPSTANDING FOURTH PORTION AFFIXED TOSAID THIRD PORTION, A GENERALLY HORIZONTALLY DISPOSED FIFTH PORTIONAFFIXED TO THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID SECTION PORTION, AN UPSTANDINGSIXTH PORTION AFFIXED TO THE REAR END OF SAID FIFTH PORTION, AND SAIDSIXTH PORTION HAVING A REST ON ITS LOWER END FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH THEBOTTOM OF THE BOAT, A BACK REST CONNECTED TO THE UPPER ENDS OF THE SIXTHPORTION, AN UPSTANDING SEVENTH PORTION HAVING ITS LOWER END AFFIXED TOSAID FIFTH PORTION, AN EIGHTH PORTION EXTENDING BETWEEEN SAID SIXTH ANDSEVENTH PORTIONS AND AFFIXED THERETO, A NINTH PORTION CONNECTED TO SAIDFOURTH PORTION, AN UPSTANDING TENTH PORTION AFFIXED TO SAID EIGHT ANDNINTH PORTIONS, AND SAID TENTH PORTION HAVING A SEAT THEREON, A SECONMDAXLE JOURNALED IN THE FRAME OF THE INBOARD SECTION, SECOND AND THIRDSPROCKETS MOUNTED ON SAID SECOND AXLE, AN ENDLESS CHAIN TRAINED AROUNDSAID FIRST AND SECOND SPROCKETS, A COLUMN ROTATABLY MOUNTED IN SAIDFOURTH PORTION, A HANDLE CONNECTED TO SAID COLUMN, A LUG CONNECTED TOTHE LOWER END OF SAID COLUMN, A FIRST ROD HAVING ITS FRONT END CONNECTEDTO SAID LUG, A SECOND ROD ROTATABLY MOUNTED ADJACENT SAID SIXTH PORTIONAND SAID SECOND ROD BEING CONNECTED TO SAID FIRST ROD BY MEANS OF A LUG,A BRACKET AFFIXED TO SAID SIXTH PORTION, A STRAP SECURED TO SAIDBRACKET, SCREW MEMBERS EXTENDING THROUGH SAID STRAP, BUSHINGS RECEIVINGSAID SCREW MEMBERS, SET SCREWS EXTENDING THROUGH SAID BUSHINGS FORENGAGING SAID SCREW MEMBERS, CLAMPS AFFIXED TO SAID BUSHINGS FORENGAGING THE TRANSOM; SAID BOAT PROPELLING MECHANISM FURTHER INCLUDINGAN OUTBOARD SECTION INCLUDING A FRAMEWORK THAT EMBODIES A FISRST PAIR OFSPACED PARALLEL MEMBERS, CROSS PIECES EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID FIRSTMEMBERS AND SECURED THERETO, ALIGNED TUBULAR SECOND MEMBERS SECURED TOTHE REAR ENDS OF SAID FIRST MEMBERS, A SHAFT EXTENDING THROUGH SAIDSECOND MEMBERS, ANGULARLY ARRANGED THIRD MEMBERS AFFIXED TO SAID SECONDMEMBERS, FOURTH MEMBERS SECURED TO THE FRONT ENDS OF SAID THIRD MEMBERS,SPACED PARALLEL BARS SECURED TO THE INNER ENDS OF SAID FOURTH MEMBERS, AHORIZONTALLY DISPOSED ROD EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID LAST NAMED BARS, FOURTHAND FIFTH SPROCKETS MOUNTED ON SAID LAST NAMED ROD, AN ENDLESS CHAINTRAINED OVER SAID THIRD AND FOURTH SPROCKETS, A FIFTH SPROCKET ON SAIDSHAFT WHICH EXTENDS THROUGH THE SECOND MEMBERS, AN ENDLESS CHAIN ON SAIDFOURTH AND FIFTH SPROCKETS, A SUPPORT PIECE FOR ENGAGING THE REAR OF THETRANSOM, CYLINDERS CONNECTED TO SAID SUPPORT PIECE, A ROD ADJUSTABLY ANDTELESCOPICALLY CONNECTED TO EACH OF SAID CYLINDERS, CROSS ELEMENTSCONNECTING THE UPPER ENDS OF SAID LAST NAMED RODS TO SAID FIRST MEMBERSOF THE FRAMEWORK, A ROD ELEMENMT EXTENDING BETWEEN THE FIRST MEMBERS OFTHE FRAMEWORK A TUBULAR PIECE ROTATABLY MOUNTED ON SAID LAST NAMED ROD,A CONNECTING PIECE EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID TUBULAR PIECE AND SAID SUPPORTPIECE, A PAIR OF SIMILAR PADDLE UNITS DETACHABLY MOUNTED ON THE ENDS OFTHE SHAFT THAT EXTEND THROUGH THE SECOND MEMBERS OF THE FRAMEWORK, ANDEACH OF SAID PADDLE UNITS COMPRISING A SUPPORT MEMBER ROTATABLY MOUNTEDON SAID SHAFT, AND SAID SUPPORT MEMBER HAVING AN APERTURED CENTRALPORTION FOR THE PROJECTION THERETHROUGH OF THE SHAFT, AND SAID SUPPORTMEMBER HAVING A PLURALITY OF RADIALLY DISPOSED ARMS AFFIXED THERETO,ANGULARLY ARRANGED BLADES AFFIXED TO SAID ARMS, SAID SUPPORT MEMBERINCLUDING A CIRCULAR RIM, A CLUTCH UNIT COMPRISING A BODY MEMBERCONTIGUOUS TO SAID SUPPORT MEMBER, AND SAID BODY MEMBER HAVING A CENTRALOPENING THEREIN FOR THE PROJECTION THERETHROUGH OF SAID SHAFT, A HUB ONTHE CENTRAL PORTION OF SAID BODY MEMBER, A SET SCREW SECURING SAID LASTNAMED HUN TO SAID SHAFT, A PAIR OF SPACED APART MOVABLE PLATESINTERPOSED BETWEEN SAID BODY MEMBER AND SUPPORT MEMBER, SPRING MEMBERSCONNECTED TO THE HUN OF THE BODYU MEMBER FOR NORMALLY URGING SAID PLATESOUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID RIM, A PAIR OF CAMS INTERPOSED BETWEEN SAIDPLATES, FINGERS CONNECTED TO SAID CAMS, ARM PIECES CONNECTED TO SAIDFINGERS, ROLLERS CONNECTED TO THE INNER ENDS OF THE SAID ARM PIECES, ASTRAIGHT CONE SLIDABLY MOUNTED ON THE SHAFT THAT EXTENDS EACH END THESECOND MEMBERS OF THE FRAMEWORK ADJACENT EACH END OF THE SHAFT, SAIDCONE BEING ENGAGED BY SAID ROLLERS, SAID CONE HAVING A GROOVED PORTION,BRACKETS AFFIXED TO SECOND MEMBERS OF THE FRAMEWORK, YOKES PIVOTALLYCONNECTED TO SAID BRACKETS AND ENGAGING SAID GROOVED PORTIONS, PUSHPULLRODS CONNECTED TO SAID YOKES, A BELL CRANK LEVER CONNECTED TO SAID LASTNAMED PUSH-PULL RODS, AND A ROD CONNECTING SAID BELL CRANK LEVER TO ALUG THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE TOP OF THE ROD THAT IS ARRANGED CONTIGUOUSTO THE SIXTH PORTION OF TGHE INBOARD SECTION.